Seekho aur Kamao yojana – Lear and earn scheme: In the year 2013, just an year before the elections that elevated Mr Modi as prime minister, the then government run by UPA-II has launched many projects, schemes in a usual election mode if not in a hasty way. One of such schemes is “Seekho aur Kamao” which means “Learn and earn”. This scheme was designed to provide skill develop opportunities to the youth belonging to the minority communities.

As per the reports of Directorate General of Employment and Training (DGE&T), majority of India workforce does not possess marketable skills which is an impediment in attaining decent employment and improving their economic condition. Based on sachar committee’s report, the UPA government was of the opinion that the country was in high growth phase, so it’s the right time to up lift the minorities by providing them with the necessary skill sets to market themselves in the industry. So, this scheme was launched as one of such initiatives to achieve those objectives.

Objectives of the scheme:

The objectives as envisaged by the government are as follows

To enable minorities to avail and utilize the opportunities in the growing market

To develop the potential of the human resources to make it one of the world’s best work force

To bring down the unemployment rate of the minority communities

To enhance the skills sets of existing work force and school drop outs for better opportunities

Features of Seekho aur Kamao yojana:

Focus:

The scheme essentially focuses on upgrading the skill sets of the minority youth in modern/traditional occupations depending upon their educational qualification, present economic trends and the market potential, which can earn them a suitable employment or make them competent to go for self employment

Components:

The scheme has 2 components as envisaged below:

Placement linked skills training program for Modern Trades

Duration of training programmes

Minimum 3 months

Trained in

Soft skills

Basic computer skills

Basic English

Focus

Focus on the training that gives sustainable placements

Employment

At least 75% placement record should be resulted out of the training in which at least 50% is in organized sector

2. Skills Training Program for Traditional Trades/Crafts/Art Forms

Duration

Minimum 2 months and maximum 1 year

Self help groups

Youth involved in traditional trades are categorized into Self Help Groups or producer companies with an average members of 20 in each.

Skills training to youth

entrepreneurial training, soft skills, IT Training, English Language training will be provided to the groups that would enable them develop a market oriented business model

Forward and backward access

Providing the groups the access to customers and suppliers by formally signed MOUs

Assist in raising funds & acquiring talent

Assistance will be provided in getting loans and finance from the financial institutions and banks

Placement assistance and counselling will be offered to all candidates and placement will be ensured for a minimum of 75% candidates and at least 50% in organized sector. Post Placement Support will be provided to help the candidates in settling down and taking care of their needs in the initial months of employment

Eligibility:

One should belong to a minority community as notified under National Commission for Minorities Act 1992 (Such as Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Parsis).

Candidates belonging to some other minority communities as notified by respective state governments and union territories are also eligible. But only when they are not more than 5% of the total seats

One should be between 14-35 years of age

The minimum educational qualification is Class-V

Reservations:

To promote inter-community solidarity, 15% candidates belonging to BPL families of non-minority communities may also be considered. In addition, 2.5% will also be reserved for disabled persons belonging to minority communities.

Help line number:

Government of India, ministry of external affair has set up a toll free help line number. U may reach for any of your queries at 1800112001